"Over the years, many students with disabilities have been kept out of vocational programs or schools or have been admitted but unnecessarily limited in their choice of programs. Still others have not gotten the special education, accommodations, or other supports they need to succeed. Several years ago, the Education Law Center and the Disability Rights Network successfully concluded a lawsuit against an area vocational technical school in Bucks County, but that victory benefited only the students attending that school." -- Education Law Center (3/28/2008)

In helping students with disabilities there are two primary parts to the process. First, you have the advocacy stage. This involves the advocacy of parents, teachers, groups and other 3rd parties. This is an informal process, meaning before "due process." The phases in the informal process include diagnosing the child's learning issues and determining whether the student qualifies for services. A student can qualify for an IEP or a 504 Plan. If the student qualifies for services, a team will be assembled. This team generally includes school administration, a school psychologist, former/current teachers and parents. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), HR 1350 (2004), requires IEPs to include measurable annual goals and a description of how the child's progress toward meeting the annual goals will be measured. A 504 Plan provides accommodations only for IST services and other types of services are available for those students who do not qualify.

It is not enough to document a disability. One must show that the disability is preventing or interfering with the student's ability to access the curriculum, to an extent that there is a clear gap between ability and performance.

If at at certain time, it becomes clear that your child is not making MEANINGFUL PROGRESS, then you may need help. Let us help you and your child get back on track. We can assess your child's situation. We can advise you on how to take action. An initial phone call or email consultation is free. Also do not hesistate to refer to our Special Education FAQs page.

4 West Front Street 2F
Media, Pennsylvania 19063
Telephone: 610-566-9165
E-mail: lawyerserv@aol.com